Dr. Barry A. Shelby

Barry Aubrey Shelby, MD was born on June 5, 1942 in Ringgold, Louisiana to J.A. Shelby and Mabel Martin Shelby. He passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025 at the age of 83 surrounded by his loving family. A service will be held at Bagnell and Son Funeral Home located at 75212 Hwy 437 Covington, LA 70435 on Wednesday, November 5th with visitation beginning at 10 am and a eulogy starting at 12 pm. Burial will follow at J M Fussell Cemetery located on Fitzgerald Church Rd.

Upon the completion of a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University, he enrolled in LSU Medical School and graduated in 1969. Subsequently, Dr. Shelby became a Captain in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the Strategic Air Command during the time of the Vietnam conflict. After his honorable discharge from the military, he practiced anesthesia at several hospitals including Charity and Oschner in New Orleans but spent the majority of his medical career in Houma, Louisiana at Terrebonne General Medical Center. His motto to his patients was that he didn’t charge to put them to sleep, he only charged to wake them up.

After quitting medicine at the age of 50 (he claimed he was too young to retire), he bought a parcel of land and moved to Covington in 1992. He then found himself acquiring the new skills of bulldozer, tractor, and Bobcat operator as he and his wife, Judy, set to clear a new homestead. He fondly became known as “Doc” to many in the community over the past 33 years.

However, “Big Daddy” was the name that he was affectionately and lovingly referred to as by his family, and it held the dearest part of his heart. Dr. Shelby is preceded in death by his parents; his son in law, Douglas Wade Sharp; and his brother Dr. James Stanford Shelby. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Pierce Shelby; his son, Chad Shelby (Celeste); his daughter, Stacy Shelby Sharp; his grandchildren - Chase, Lila, Bailey (Dalton), Reece, and Elizabeth; his great grandchildren - Lily and Eli; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers honoring Dr. Shelby include Reece Shelby, Dalton Saacks, Dale Jones, Robert Farbe, Todd Charlet, and Bruce Pellegrin. Honorary pallbearers include Clyde Catoir and Johnny Miranda.